And...Just Because: Jonathan Groff

I was pretty excited when actor Jonathan Groff joined the cast of Glee in the guest role of Jesse St. James. Although I have not seen in him stage, I have seen him perform on youtube and television. I love the soundtrack to Spring Awakening and wish I had been in NY when he and Lea Michele were in the show.

I love getting to see this talented stage actor get to showcase his talents on a show that is reaching viewership highs. I am hoping it will lead to more notice for this underated actor. Jonathan, best known for his role in Spring Awakening, has also been on stage in Hair, The Sound Of Music, Fame, In My Life, Godspell and Prayer for My Enemy. Although the character is meant to be diliked, I can helped by loving Jonathan Groff.



Below: In 'Hair' with Will Swenson.


Below: Jonathan as Jesse St. James in Glee.


Below: Jonathan with Lea Michele in 'Spring Awakening'.

Just Because: Sandra Bullock

Congratulations!

Just Because: Nicholas Hoult in A Single Man

I am a huge fan of Colin Firth (not to mention Julianne Moore) so I cannot wait to see 'A Single Man'. The movie never made it to my town and on the one night I was due to head into the city for the weekend to see it there was a storm which prevented my trip in. Nicholas Hoult who many met on 'About A Boy' but who really showed off his acting chops in 'Skins' is a nice bonus! Thanks to jasha92 for the caps!

Just Because: Eddie Cibrian

Just Because...Eddie Cibrian is not a favorite of the country music community...

Just Because: Glee

Just Because it is quite silly how excited I am about the return of Glee tonight. I loved the first half of the season and have been awaiting it's return since last years big finale. Glee is not just well written, well acted and hilarious. Glee does something very few shows are able to do, leave you feeling better when the show is over than when it began.

Glee truly takes on it's Musical roots with feel good moments, losers becoming winners and of course all done through an uplifting score. The show was also marketed brilliantly this year. With the hype from last season, the shows pr machine has been working overtime with promos, magazine covers and having the cast just about everywhere (don't tire them out too too much). Next weeks Madonna episode promises to be must see tv.



Below: One of my favorites from Glee, Brittany (Heather Morse).

Just Because: Michael Muhney

I have loved actor Michael Muhney since 'Veronica Mars' and that love has grown with his current role on 'The Young And The Restless'. Such a hot man with immense talent. Michael has me loving Adam! Although the character looks to be on his way out Michael is making the most out of each and every scene he is in. I am not sure the rumors of him joining the new Hawaii Five-O are true, but I will follow this talented actor to what ever his next project is. You can check out Michael's official site HERE: or follow him on Twitter HERE:






Above: Michael with Billy Miner and Daniel Goddard.

Just Because: Health Care

America is a world leader.

At the same time America (the US in particular) is slow to move places most of the rest of the world saw clearly long ago. From equality for women, racism, gay marriage and of course health care. Although the US went kicking and screaming I am convinced people will look back decades from now and wonder why it took so fucking long.

Don't get me wrong, the bill is too long, too complicated, too restrictive, not inclusive enough and horribly flawed. How could it be anything else with all the hoops that had to be flown through.

It is still cause for celebration. It will not be easy, it is going to knocked around and will be criticized more than any bill in history.

Yet, it is a beginning.

I cannot applaud as many do things like this Health care bill, a black president, gay marriage legal in some States. I could if it were 1979, but 2010 these things should be the norm, not something a party is thrown over.

I am happy, but with this celebration also comes sadness. I cannot help but to think of the millions of people over the last few decades who did not get the medical care they so deserved. Being 'have not's they were kept behind the gate. The gate is still there today...but thankfully, not nearly as strong.

Just Because: Breaking the Fourth Wall with Timothy Olyphant

Just Because:

Although I love listening to DVD commentaries, sometimes I wish I had skipped them. I am not generally in favor of 'breaking the fourth wall' on television shows and movies. Somehow when a sit-com ends with a real moment, or a movie ends with bloopers, some of the magic is gone.

I remember when I listened to the DVD commentary for the first season of Gossip Girl. (A show I hailed in season 1, yet really have not enjoyed that much since). I was rather disgusted with the cast commentary. I am not a prude, but the cast (including some who were just 14 at the time) were swearing non stop and generally just being pretty stupid.

I felt this way again while listening to some recent commentaries on a favorite show of mine, Damages. Actor Timothy Olyphant who joined the show in season two unfortunately joined in on the commentaries and my thoughts on him have sadly permanently changed. I certainly did, and still do think of Mr. Olyphant as a good actor and a great looking guy. I can't however say I am a fan of him as a person any longer. I know, not really fair, we all have our bad days. Timothy didn't do or say anything that bad really but he was insulting enough (the word retard was thrown out and about) and was generally just not funny while trying to be. There is nothing sadder than someone failing so miserably at trying to be funny. I will still watch his movies, but I will skip any further 'commentary' on his part.

Just Because: Telephone

I know many of you will hate me for this but...

I watched Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' yesterday several times. Lady Gaga is growing on me. I can't say I love her but I do see her vocal talent and performance brilliance. I have had a bit of an issue with her getting so much attention for being original. To me she has combined the greatness of several past artists from Madonna to Grace Jones (with several others in between). To me, pulling past greatness into one package has been her greatness.

My issue with 'Telephone' was two fold. Firstly, I felt the video got rather boring and lost focus once Gaga left the prison. Up to this point it had my full attention. After the prison scenes it seemed all flash and color.

Secondly (and this is the part some might disagree with...) As much as doing something with Gaga is a smart move for any artist... Was anyone other than me just a wee bit disappointed Beyonce chose to do this particular song and video? She looked amazing all Betty Paged up but it seems to go against so much of what she has tried to 'be' in interviews and performances. She is an actress I know, but this did not seem the Beyonce I know, it seemed to be a Beyonce trying to grab a bit of Gaga's attention and audience. I don't think she needed either.

Just my thoughts...

Just Because: When is too soon?

Just Because: When is too soon...

Was saddened to see on 'The Today Show' yesterday friends of Corey Haim going through his things deciding what they will put up on ebay. It would be nice to think this was because they wanted to share a piece of Corey with his fans. That might be something I could swallow if it were a month or two from now. Given it was the day after he died...nah. Money is a dirty motivator.

Below: Corey in the beautiful film 'Lucas' (1986).


I never thought I was a big Corey Haim fan. The last decade or so I, like many others I am sure thought of Corey more for his struggles than for his accomplishments. It is sad to me that when one dies it is the struggles that get the attention. I was surprised looking back at his career how many of his films I loved. 'The Lost Boys' and 'Lucas' would be at the top of my list.

My 'too soon' question though is not about the friends selling on ebay it is about nudity. Corey had a nude scene in 'Blown Away' and if you search this blog the shots of his beautiful butt are on full display. My question is do we really want these shots posted on the heels of his death. Corey was an actor, not a model and not an actor who dropped his pants every time the camera rolled.

I was a bit shocked on the heels of Corey's death how many male celebrity 'gay themed sites' and how many emails I got that showcased Corey's nude scene. Same thing happened when Heath Ledger and Brad Renfro died. I am not a prude, I capped the scenes, I posted the scenes but are those the pictures that should be posted just after a young celebrity dies.

Maybe I am alone in these thoughts, be curious to know. I have no issues with showing the beauty of a male celebrity after they have left us. I do have a problem doing so with an actor (maybe not a model) right after they die. To me it is like selling their personal items on ebay. That old corny word 'tacky' is the one that comes to mind. Be curious on others thoughts?

Just Because: Nurse Jackie

Just last week I posted about my love for the first season of 'Nurse Jackie' which I finished on DVD. Today I have to take away a few points for the shows decision not to bring back one of season one's stand outs Haaz Sleiman. Haaz's Mo-Mo was one of my favorite characters and Haaz was not only talented but oh so hot! Mo-Mo's relationship with Jackie was also one of my favorites to watch. Eve Best and Merritt Wever are great, but both characters can be a bit 'over the top' and got annoying at times. Sleiman's Mohammed's relationship with Jackie was quieter, realer. Not sure why the producers would make such a decision, but really, ridding prime time of a well written, well acted and the only gay man of middle eastern descent needs some explaining. There are rumors Haaz might show up on True Blood, but I really hope Nurse Jackie comes to it's senses and brings Mo-Mo home.

Below: Haaz getting a little smooch from 'Nurse Jackie' co-star Peter Facinelli.




Haaz in his first movie 'The Ski Trip' (2004)

Just Because: Chris Cuomo

Just Because: I have not watched 20/20 for years but might have to begin again! Why didn't some tell me about the scrumptious Chris Cuomo who I just discovered due to his appearance on The View today.



Below: Chris on a fishing excursion in Montauk last summer.

Just Because: American Idol

I am giving it a couple more weeks, but in the grand tradition of Fonzie on water skis, American Idol has jumped the shark. Even with some eye candy last weeks top 24shows were pretty bad with no one really standing out. There were a few ok performances but overall quite boring. Thank goodness for DVR where I can watch 12 bland performances dragged out over 2 hours on Fox in about 12 minutes.

Some like to say (Fox PR) that it is like this every year at this time, but that is bullshit. In years gone by Rueben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson and many others were making waves in the early elimination rounds.

Paula is also truly missed. Kara is becoming increasingly annoying, Randy increasingly redundant and Simon's upcoming departure also makes his presence bittersweet. Ellen started off strong, but during the last two live shows looked like a rabbit in a trap. I am sure Ellen will get her groove, but with Randy and Kara the only two left to back her up, her groove is not going to be enough. We shall see...

Below: Casey James


Below: Tim Urban

Just Because... Shaun White

Common....admit it...
shocks me...but...
I know...me too!


Thanks to xyzpdq for the shot!

Just Because: Peter Facinelli

As stated, 'Nurse Jackie' also stars one of my all time favorite actors the talented and oh so hot Peter Facinelli. So...I don't need an excuse to post some of my favorite Peter Caps. I have loved Facinelli's work in most of his projects from Nurse Jackie, Damages, Foxfire, Fastlane and Six Feet Under.

Facinelli in 'Foxfire' (2006).










Facinelli in 'Honest' (2000).








Facinelli in 'Supernova' (2000).